Monday, July 16, 2012

Colleagues Pay Tribute To Richard D. Zanuck

Last week we reported the sad news that Richard D. Zanuck, the veteran producer who oversaw the recent Dark Shadows movie, died suddenly on Friday. Friends and colleagues across the industry have been quick to pay tribute, including those from Dark Shadows. Original series actress Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) shares a candid snapshot of Richard and Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins) taken at Pinewood Studios last summer, when she and Jonathan joined co-stars David Selby (Quentin Collins) and Lara Parker (Angelique) to film a cameo scene for the production.

"I am so sad to hear of Richard Zanuck's passing," Kathryn. "I've long admired him and the wonderful films he produced, but didn't meet him until Jonathan, David, Lara and I arrived at Pinewood to film our cameos for Dark Shadows. He was the first to greet us… and he was so warm and welcoming. We later exchanged a few emails regarding Return to Collinwood, and again he couldn't have been more gracious and encouraging. He responded immediately and his generous support made all the difference. He was so kind and caring, reaching out and including us in what would be the final film for both Mr. Frid and Mr. Zanuck."

"I'm in shock and heartbroken at the news of Richard Zanuck's passing," director Tim Burton said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "He
was like family to me – a mentor, friend and father figure. Richard was
a completely unique and amazing individual and there will never be
anyone else like him."

"Totally bummed about Richard Zanuck passing away," Jackie Earle Haley (Willie Loomis) said via Twitter. "I was lucky to hung
out with him a bunch on the Dark Shadows set. He was a great guy." Screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith posted: "I'm heartbroken, but so grateful that I got to know and work with Dick
Zanuck. I loved him. I'll miss him dearly. Thoughts to his family."